Michigan Wolverines aren't seeking bulletin-board material from MSU: 'I don't need them to say anything to hype me up'

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker said this week that he “rolled out bulletin-board material” to his 3-4 team Monday morning in an attempt to spur motivation. Michigan, on the other hand, is taking a different approach. Tucker, who has a 16-11 overall record and 10-10 Big Ten mark in his two-and-a-half seasons in East Lansing, even went so far as to say he’s introduced “education” to his players on the in-state series.

Michigan junior running back Blake Corum, a Heisman Trophy contender who’s tied for the nation’s lead with 13 rushing touchdowns and has churned out 901 yards on the ground, said he doesn’t need to look to outside sources for inspiration.

“Nah, I just want to win, man,” Corum said after practice Tuesday. “I just want to win. That can be my bulletin board material — just winning. I don’t need them to say anything to hype me up. I’m just ready to win.”

Michigan senior wide receiver Cornelius Johnson echoed the same sentiment.

“We talked about it this week, that game isn’t going to be won on social media,” Johnson said. “It’s not going to be won with whatever you guys say or whatever is tweeted out there or posted on Instagram. All the hype videos and stuff like that, that’s not going to win you the game, obviously.

“What’s going to matter is what happens at 7:30 on Main Street. That’s what we’re focused on from the first play to the last.”

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Coming off two straight losses to Michigan State, the Wolverines have been much more up front about their desire to beat the Spartans this season. For the first time during his tenure, eighth-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, the reigning AP Coach of the Year, declared that one of U-M’s four goals was to beat Michigan State.

“All of the goals, I feel like, are important,” Corum said. “I don’t put one goal more important than the other Going undefeated, beating every team, is important. Obviously, we have Michigan State this week. In my time here, I haven’t beaten them, so I’m just focused on that right now. That’s very important. That’s the priority right now. So I feel like every game we play is important. I’m focused on right now and Saturday.”

Corum was asked if this game is more important than others on the schedule.

“I wouldn’t say that, but it’s important this week,” Corum replied.

In a 37-33 loss last season, Michigan running back dropped a key pass with nothing but green grass in front of him. The Wolverines fumbled on an exchange between sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Corum, allowing a late three-point lead to evaporate almost instantly, with MSU scoring the game-winning touchdown on the next possession.

After the tough bus ride back to Ann Arbor, Corum headed straight to the Schembechler Hall weight room.

“Just disappointment,” Corum said of why he worked out right after the game. “I felt like we had it. Disappointed in myself [with] a dropped pass and then a miscommunication between me and J.J. Just disappointment. Was disappointed and wanted to get better, so just came in, got some work in. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling good now.”

Corum insists that No. 4 and undefeated Michigan isn’t overconfident heading into Saturday’s matchup, even as 22.5-point favorites.

“Football is a game that anyone can lose any given day,” the Michigan back said. “We’re confident with ourselves, we’re confident with what we can do. I don’t think we’re overconfident, just because of the type of team we are. We treat every game like a championship game, so there’s no such thing as going into a game and saying, we’re about to dominate them. Obviously, we think that — we’re going to dominate [the opponent each week] — but it not overconfidence. It’s just being confident.

“So I feel like that’s how we’re going into this game. We’re confident. We understand that their record isn’t the same as it was last year when we met, but we’re confident. We know they’re going to come to play, we know they’re going to give us their best game. Saturday can’t come fast enough.”

Blake Corum believes 2022 Michigan offense is ‘better’ than 2021 version

Michigan’s offense ranked 16th nationally in scoring offense a year ago, averaging 35.8 points per game. This year, that number is up to 42.7, which slots sixth in the country. Obviously, strength of schedule has played a part, with Michigan still set to play some of its toughest contests, but there’s reason to believe that this unit is better than it was a year ago. The style has been similar, leaning on a strong offensive line and prolific rushing attack.

Put Corum in the camp that believes Michigan has improved offensively from the 2021 campaign.

“I think we’re better,” Corum said. “But definitely, the offense last year was great. From the offensive line to the receivers to [running back] Hassan [Haskins] and myself and [senior quarterback] Cade [McNamara] — but I also think we have a great offense this year.

“If we compared the two, it would be hard to pick which one was better. But obviously, I’m focused on this year’s offense, so I think this year’s offense is better. We can definitely compare the two, because they’re both great. Great offenses, great offensive lines … it’s hard to pick which one is better, but I’m on this team this year so I think this one is better.”

Corum didn’t want to disrespect anybody on last year’s team with his feelings on the comparison, but he pointed to having graduate wideout Ronnie Bell, who missed the majority of the 2021 campaign with a knee injury, back in the lineup as what puts the 2022 group over the top.

“More elusive,” Corum said. “We got Ronnie Bell back, which is big. Just having Ronnie Bell back makes it better. I could keep going, but I’ll leave it right there. Having Ronnie Bell back makes it better.”

Bell ranks 10th in the Big Ten with 61.3 receiving yards per game and has become McCarthy’s favorite target with 35 catches.